Erika grew up in Victoria, BC. She spent her summers at Camp Thunderbird in Sooke, at first kinda hating it and the overnight camping trips… But at some point all that fresh air must have infiltrated her system as she ended up working for several years at Thunderbird, and then later at Strathcona Park Lodge, as a camp counsellor, outdoor ed instructor, and sea kayak guide.  During the off season she studied Geography and Environmental Studies at UVic and has since been working to combine her love for working with youth and outdoor pursuits with her environmental and social values.  She found a good match this past year by cycling with the Otesha Project from Vancouver to Calgary, performing a play intended to empower youth to take action.  Her favourite things to do include curling up with a good book, rockclimbing, cooking and eating good food, skiing, playing Scrabble and exploring by kayak, foot or bicycle.